Hey everyone,

Has anyone had serious complications or any type of complication that kept them from returning to work or school within 2 to 3 weeks? People that I work and go to school with are telling me about all the horrible things that will go wrong after my surgery but I would rather hear from those that have actually been through it and know.

Thanks,

Sarah

Sounds like they're referring to gastric bypass. Many people wind up in ICU for weeks, maybe months after GB. Lapband is generally a much safer, quicker recovery. Many return to work after a weekend. Personally, on day 5 I felt wonderful! I waited 2 weeks because I could and because I travel, so I didn't want to start hauling luggage too soon. Everyone is different.

I thought they were referring to GB too but they swear they mean Lap Band. Thanks for your comment.

Sarah

I was out for 3 weeks, hospitalized for about 12 days. I did have some complications, but after doing these for more than 2 years, I was the first my surgeon had seen. My stomach somehow tightened up too much and I had to have an NG tube placed to bring up all the bile from my stomach. I dry heaved for days before the tube was placed. I also had sudden blood pressure problems. The highest during hospitalization was 239 over 90 or so. I don't remember the diastolic number. But this is extremely rare and I wouldn't go back for anything. I am happy with my band and I made it just fine. I'd do it all over again.

Maybe they are confused, I know most people I talk to have never even heard of lapband and assume it is the same or similar to bypass. I had no problems returning to work one week after my surgery. I belong to 2 support groups as well, and everyone returned to work with no complications between 3 days and one week after surgery.

I went to Europe for 2 months at exactly 3 weeks postop. Now problem at all.

I didn't bounce right back the way others seem to but by 8 days post-op, I felt human again and went back to work as an RN.